This my first post, as the FNG here. There will be 3 requests at the end of this post. I am a firefighter/fire investigator rank of Sergeant. My lights are actually used to save lives and protect property. This forum is AWESOME for FLITE GEEKS like me; several of my like-afflicted friends will find out about this place when I tell them about it.
I recieved 2 of these from Meritline.com for 9.99 each with free shipping. Meritline said upfront that shipping was from Singapore and could take up to 2 weeks. It took an agonizing 23 days from the day I recieved notification it had shipped. I rolled the dice and asked customer service for free shipping on my next order or a partial credit-meh, maybe i'll get something, maybe not.
The SiPiK impressed me first with a REAL GLASS lens. I am not as put off by the tail cap as others. The light throw is mindblowing for one AA battery. I get my regular duracells for free as i use them on the firescene so that will save the Department money versus 3 AAA's at whack. I buy my own rechargeable Oneloops and Duracells for my personal lights. I did notice about a 10% boost in light going from a regular new Duracell to a fully charged Oneloop. Both of these will became work lights immediately. I will not be using them in heavy rain but will risk a light drizzle. It amazes me that in total darkness, pulling the focus all the way out to spot shows the exact square outline of the Cree at 100 feet. Over the next few weeks I will be demonstrating it to other firefighters and police. Most police officers are addicted to their "Stinger" line of lights-I want to see how it works up against one with a 2450mh fully recharged Duracell in my SiPik.
Request #1 - Does anyone here know of a way we could find out how to get them in bulk, direct from the Maufacturers of SiPik?
Request #2 - Barring request #1, what is the best deal for up to 10 at a time from sites like this;
http://www.everbuying.com/SIPIK-SK68-Cree-Q3-3W-80-Lumens-AA-Zooming-LED-p-26325.html
Request #3 - Am I just going Gaga over this one particular light, and ignorant to better lights in this price range? (I am very partial to COMMON battery sizes like AA, AAA, C because these are provided for us) I saw this one listed as having 900 lumens-is this true? http://www.everbuying.com/UltraFire-WF-501B-MC-E-BIN-M-5-Mode-800-Lumen-LED-Flashlight-1-18650-p-28552.html
Thank you for the read, and any thoughts you have. I am thick skinned, so being direct is just fine. SARGE 